A COUNCIL'S job creation chairman is to quit the post - because he has got a new job of his own.

College lecturer Marcus Johnstone will announce his resignation as head of the economic and property committee at tomorrow's meeting.

He has been appointed to a new post teaching journalism and media studies at Southport College, which means a 100-mile round trip each day.

"With that kind of daily commitment, I do not feel I would be able to continue to do the job of chairman properly, and I strongly believe that is the only way to do it," he said.

Coun Johnstone, a journalist in Burnley before going into teaching, said he had enjoyed his four years as head of the economic committee.

"We have had some big successes, economic prospects in Burnley are improving and we finally have a government which wants to create jobs. Things are looking up."

Coun Johnstone, a Trinity ward representative for 11 years, fought the Ribble Valley parliamentary seat for Labour at the General Election.

He has not yet decided whether to remain on the council.

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